Workplace Bullying

BOSTON, Mass. (Ivanhoe Newswire) -- You’re dumb, or you smell. Those are familiar words from a bully. It’s the type of cruelty we are accustomed to when it comes to children. But experts say bullies come in all ages. Thirty seven percent of the workforce admits to be bullied, and women, more than men are often targeted.

When we think of bullying, school comes to mind. But that mean girl factor is happening in the workplace and women are often the victims.

Office manager Patricia Sardella says her female supervisor used physical and psychological intimidation tactics.

“She used to slam things around doors cabinet drawers,” said Sardella. “I started to doubt myself and my abilities.”

Despite having a Ph.D., she often did menial tasks, and she says her bullier sent unfavorable e-mails about her, to her boss. “I would come home feeling useless, and not of value to the company,” Sardella said.

Experts say office bullies can be overt or covert.

“The more destructive form of workplace bullying is the behind the back sabotage, undermining some ones performance reputation.” David Yamada, president of New Work Place Institute in Boston, Mass., told Ivanhoe.

“How we respond to bullying makes a difference,” Judy Sheehan, director of nursing education at Butler Hospital in Providence, R.I., told Ivanhoe,

Sheehan suggests confronting the issue right away. If you are being yelled out tell the bullier you will come back later and have someone with you. Also make sure to notify your human resource department.

“You need to work with the system, document, document, document, what’s going on, who is involved who’s there when it happens,” said Sheehan.

If none of that works there is always the option Sardella made, finding a new job.

If you would like more information, please contact:

1-800-END-ABUSE

http://bullyinginstitute.org/starthere.html.

To learn more about office bullying, click here!